The Tuileries Gardens (or Jardin des Tuileries) are another favourite family spot in Paris to visit with my kids. It’s a wonderful open space for kids to run around, though keep in mind that there are no grassy lawns. The park features a large playground, a carousel, a trampoline park, and plenty of vendors selling ice cream and sandwiches, so you’re covered when snack time rolls around. Plus, the Tuileries Garden is perfectly located between the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum, making it an ideal stop while exploring other iconic Parisian landmarks.
A brief history of Tuileries Gardens
Queen Catherine de’ Medici created the Tuileries Gardens in 1564 alongside the Tuileries Palace. She designed them as a royal space for her new home. The gardens stand on former tile factory land, inspiring the name “Tuileries,” from the French word for tile.
In the 17th century, André Le Nôtre transformed the gardens under King Louis XIV, introducing formal French garden style. His design emphasized symmetry, long perspectives, and tree-lined promenades, projecting royal power and elegance. Le Nôtre’s layout included fountains, flowerbeds, and statues, turning the Tuileries into a grand space. The central axis, stretching from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde, became a defining feature of his vision.
The French Revolution marked a turning point for the Tuileries Gardens. As the monarchy fell, the gardens were opened to the public, becoming a space for citizens rather than royalty. The Tuileries Palace, which once stood at the eastern edge of the garden, became a seat of political power until it was destroyed by fire during the Paris Commune in 1871. While the palace was never rebuilt, the gardens remained intact and continued to serve as a beloved public park.
Fun things to do with kids at Tuileries Gardens
1. Rent a wooden sailboat at the Grand Basin
Rent a small, colorful wooden sailboat at the Grand Bassin, where kids can push them across the water with sticks. For €5, you can rent the boats for 30 minutes and let the kids enjoy the fun of sailing in the shadow of the Louvre museum.
The rental kiosk is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 6pm, and on weekends as well as every day during school holidays from 11am to 6pm.
2. Playground fun
The Tuileries Gardens playground is free and relatively small, but it offers a variety of play equipment suitable for kids of all ages. Located in the northern part of the garden, near the Castiglione entrance, the playground is fenced for safety. One of its standout features is a large netted climbing frame with a chute slide. Children can climb a steep ladder, navigate a rope tunnel, and slide back down to the ground. While the structure is recommended for older kids (6+), younger ones often give it a try too
3. Jump on trampolines
In the northern part of the garden, between the Terrasse des Feuillants and the Grand Bassin, children aged two and up can enjoy a jump on the trampolines for €3 per child.
4. Ride the carousel
There is also a charming vintage carousel close to the playground. This beautifully crafted, old-fashioned carousel is a favourite with kids and offers the chance to enjoy a classic Parisian experience for €3 per ride.
5. Look out for the Ferris wheel
During the summer months and over the Christmas period, the gardens transform into a mini amusement park for the Fête des Tuileries. With rides, games, and snacks like cotton candy, this fair is a hit with children and adds an extra layer of fun to your visit.
6. Go searching for statues
Like the Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries is also filled with statues. Go on a mini scavenger hunt to spot the numerous sculptures scattered throughout the park, including works by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged while enjoying a bit of art and culture.
7. Visit Musée de l’Orangerie
At the west end of the Tuileries Gardens, near Place de la Concorde, you’ll find the Musée de l’Orangerie. This museum is home to Claude Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ series, along with other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. It’s the perfect museum to explore with kids, as you can see the highlights in about an hour. The expansive Water Lilies rooms are particularly captivating for children, offering massive, panoramic views of nature that feel almost immersive.
Pick up a free family booklet at the museum reception, available in both English and French, to help kids learn more about the artists and discover the museum’s collection in a fun, engaging way. For children over 8, an audio game tour is available in English and French for €3.50, with a duration of 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There is also a dedicated Family Area for children aged 0-12, offering a sensory-based and creative experience of the artworks. It includes touch-based activities for toddlers, a reading corner, and various painting workshops.
Opening hours: Open 9am – 6pm every day except Tuesdays
Prices: €12.50 for adults, free for those under 18. Pre-book your tickets here to avoid waiting in line.
Nearby kid-friendly restaurants and cafes
- Café Des Marronniers inside the Tuileries Gardens is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with indoor and outdoor seating on the terrace. It’s a French brasserie with a full menu of hot food as well as sweet treats if you just want to stop for a snack.
- Terrasse de Pomone inside the Tuileries Gardensis another nice option convenienty located inside the park. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, this café has a charming outdoor terrace and offers light food and French pancakes.
- Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli) is a Paris destination in itself, famous for its rich hot chocolate and delicious desserts. The lines to enter the restaurant are usually very long. Tip – use the entrance to the right of the main entrance to access the takeaway café where you can purchase whatever you want to go. Take your sweets and cross the road to enjoy them on a bench at Tuileries Gardens.
- Brasserie Flottes (2 Rue Cambon) is an upscale brasserie serving traditional French food and offering a children’s menu.
Have you visited the Tuileries Gardens with kids? Share your favourite spots in the comment section below. Join me on Instagram and get more inspiration for things to do in Paris.
If you’re looking for a Paris itinerary with kids that combines the Tuileries Gardens with other Paris attractions on the same day, then check out this suggested itinerary here.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust.
